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What are the IRS criteria for an education assistance program (EAP)?

April 10, 2025

The following requirements apply for a qualified educational assistance plan:

  • The employer must provide a written plan.
  • The plan can’t offer other benefits besides education.
  • The employee can’t receive more than $5,250 per year from all employers combined.
  • The plan must not favor highly compensated employees (for 2020, that means those earning more than $130,000 in total compensation).

You can find further details in the Educational Reimbursements and Allowances section of the IRS Publication of Fringe Benefits.